Cheshire East Council is to re-start the registration of births from today (Wednesday 17 June).

Restrictions introduced at the start of the Covid-19 lockdown meant birth registrations and other registration team services had to be suspended.

These restrictions were recently relaxed, allowing the council's registration team to now offer appointments to register births.

By law, face-to-face appointments are needed and measures have been put in place to help keep parents and registration staff safe. These include provision of hand sanitiser and rooms that allow space for social distancing.

To register a birth in Cheshire East, via: book online or phone 0300 123 3019.

Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for public health and corporate services, said: "I'm sure many new parents will be delighted we are able to re-start our wider registration services.

"I would urge people to follow the guidance on how and when to arrange your appointment and, of course, not to attend if you or someone in your household has symptoms of Covid-19. The safety of our staff and customers is paramount.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank residents and our staff for their patience and support during these exceptional times. Our registration team will continue to review its services and regular updates will be provided on the council's website."

Registration service offices remain closed to the public except those attending appointments. You should not visit the register office for an appointment if you, or someone in your household, has a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, a loss of, or change to, sense of smell or taste – or if anyone in your household is self-isolating and/or currently shielding. Please wait to register the birth when it is safe to do so.

Please note that we are only able to register births that took place in Cheshire East and that only those required for the registration will be admitted to the building. If your child was born outside Cheshire East, you will need to contact the register office for that area.

If your child was born at Wythenshawe Hospital, you need to contact Manchester registration service via their website.

The fee for a birth certificate is £11. Although the registrar is unable to take payment for a birth certificate during the appointment, you can pay for certificates in advance when booking online. You can also pre pay for your certificate at Registration Service online payment.